Recap of Election Law First Hearing meeting

01/31/2018

The Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission would like to update the community on the results of last evening’s meeting on the proposed amendments to the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke Election Law.

All six agenda items were addressed‎: 1) approval of development of Preamble and Jurisdiction statements; 2) setting first Saturday in July as the definite (permanent) date for the election; 3) appointment of Electoral Officer by Justice Commission; 4) eligibility requirement that nominee must declare private holdings/businesses; 5) identification of provisions suitable for transfer into a Regulation; and 6) establishment of a body to review decisions of the Electoral Officer in an expeditious manner.

Items 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 all passed via consensus. For #3 there was a desire to maintain the selection of Electoral Officer (EO) via election; however, there was consensus that applicants for the position of EO be vetted through the Justice Commission. Item 4 was approved with the addition that the information regarding business interests would be revealed to the community.

For #5, the provisions of the law suitable for transfer to a Regulation were identified as the Nomination Processes; Verification Processes; preparation of Polls; Voting processes; and the counting of votes. Consensus was reached to remove from the Law.

The technical drafting team will redraft the proposals brought forth and will present their changes at the upcoming 2nd meeting of this First Hearing. The date, time and place for the next meeting will be announced shortly.

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For further information on the law, please contact:
Trina C. Diabo, Technician
Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke
450-632-7500, trinac.diabo@mck.ca